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writeonsteph's reviews
1224 reviews
This book has solidified its spot as my number two in the series. It was perfectly paced, albeit a little predictable in a comforting way. I was sad to say goodbye to this book!
Definitely one of the more unsettling and scary Goosebumps books. Couldn't read it at night!
From a theological standpoint, it felt like the right conclusion to the series. The imagery was stunning, fantastical, and easy to feel like you were experiencing the plot action with the characters. However, as others have noted, the problematic treatment of Susan and the characters of color (which began in other novels) was most obvious and difficult to get past in this novel. It felt like a disservice to the supposed purity of Narnian ideals, and the concept of forgiveness that Aslan teaches in all other novels. It was not by far the worst (plot wise it was one of the better novels) of the series, but these problems keep it from being beloved like LWW for me.
A really engaging collection and commentary on the monster lore that populates our cultures. Looking forward to his next work.
Did not have high hopes after reading the first couple of chapters, and when it did start to redeem itself, it lost the thread again. I skimmed the final few chapters, because I did not want to leave it unfinished, but did not want to continue reading it anymore. I have two main issues, and they seem to be recurring themes for this author. One, the main character is never given any sort of development outside a conflict with her sister and a vague instability. Two, there is no attempt to really build the true lore of the story (why is there a disease? who else knows about it? why did we not see more of the cabin fever trope since that seemed so important?). These same issues appeared in her other work, The Ravenous and I had difficulty finishing that novel as well--which is a rare thing for me. The short of it seems that Lukavics has great ideas, but they never really come to fruition because of bland subplots, and it makes it hard for a reader to remain committed to her vision.
Possibly one of the best books I've read in a long time. Clever, full of twists and oh Lyra, blessed little Lyra! I am only sorry it took me so long to read it, but I am glad I read it after finishing Chronicles of Narnia. I highly recommend the audiobook, as it is a full cast and a delight.
Highly enjoyable. Getting to know Starling a little more than her cinematic counterpart put the novel slightly above.
